The Starfires

The Starfires are a relatively new band, formed in early 2010, made up of seasoned players in the Toronto music scene. The core members of the Starfires are Michael Kaler (bass guitar), Braz King (guitar), Martin Loomer (guitar), Steve Ward (trombone/electronics), Parmela Attariwala (violin), Jamie Thompson (flute), Jason Steidman (keyboards/light projections) and Mark Segger (drums/percussion). In order to keep their music fresh and vibrant, the band makes a practice of inviting different musicians to each show, drawing from the city’s pool of rock, world and jazz musicians.
The Starfires make music that is organic and entrancing, creating a warm and colourful group sound from the playful interaction between the individual members. They draw on music from many different traditions—recent shows have featured material from Ethiopia, Ireland, Scotland, Senegal, and the United States—and bring it together into uplifting, dreamy soundscapes.
It is music that comes from everywhere, and that will take you someplace unique and primal.
During the summer of 2010, the Starfires had a two month residency on Wednesday nights at Somewhere There, a respected venue for creative music in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood; in addition to this, they have played at such Toronto landmarks as the Tranzac and the Central, as well as festival appearances at such events as Buskerfest and the New Bloor Festival.
The Starfires will be recording an album in late 2010, and promoting it in Southern Ontario and perhaps farther afield in early and mid 2011.